Bamboo shoots - a highly sought-after specialty of Tan Ky.

(Baonghean.vn) - Loi bamboo shoots are a specialty variety found only in the mountains and forests of Tan Ky. With their distinctive sweet and mild flavor, they are favored by many people, helping local residents earn extra income and improve their lives.

Loi bamboo shoots are a type of "wild vegetable" that grows abundantly on the high peaks of Pu Loi mountain in Tien Ky commune, Tan Ky district. Loi bamboo shoots grow quickly and form dense clusters with small stems, long shoots, pointed leaves, and glossy skin.

Loi bamboo shoots are a type of bamboo shoot belonging to the same family as regular bamboo shoots, characterized by their growth only in high-altitude, cold climates. Currently, loi bamboo shoots are in season, so people in the mountainous communes of Tien Ky, Dong Van, and Tan Hop (Tan Ky district) are carrying baskets up the mountain to harvest them from 3 am and selling them to traders for 25,000 - 30,000 VND/kg after peeling.

Bamboo shoots are prepared by using a thin, sharp knife to gently peel back the outer layer to reveal the fresh, tender sprouts. The younger the shoots and the greener the stalks, the crispier and sweeter the bamboo shoots. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Mr. Vi Xuan Thao, a bamboo shoot picker in Tien Ky commune, said: "This year there has been a lot of rain, so early-season bamboo shoots are very easy to find. From July to October every year, people excitedly go to the forest to pick bamboo shoots before sunrise. Because it takes more than 2 hours to walk from the foot of the mountain to the top, on good days we can get about 30-40 kg, on less busy days we still get 20 kg. This product is very popular, and on some days, there are so many orders that we don't have enough to sell."

According to Ms. Vi Thi Xuan from Dong Van commune, bringing bamboo shoots home is not easy at all; it takes a whole day of digging to fill a basket. Although it's hard work, each time I go harvesting, I earn nearly 300,000 VND from selling the bamboo shoots, which helps my family earn extra income."

After harvesting, bamboo shoots are prepared by using a thin, sharp knife to gently cut through the outer layer, revealing the tender shoots. The greener and fresher the bamboo shoot, the crispier and sweeter it will be.

Currently, peeled bamboo shoots are sold at markets in Tan Ky district and supplied to restaurants in Do Luong, Nghia Dan, Vinh City, etc., at prices ranging from 35,000 to 40,000 VND/kg.

Bamboo shoots are selling well at Tan Ky town market, currently priced from 35,000 to 40,000 VND/kg. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, a small trader selling bamboo shoots in Tan Ky district, said:"Bamboo shoots are a local specialty wild vegetable that many people buy to eat and give as gifts to family and friends," she said. She and several others collect bamboo shoots in Tien Ky commune and supply them to distributors. Currently, she sells about 70kg of bamboo shoots daily. During the peak season, she can sell nearly 150kg a day, earning a profit of over 1 million VND per day. Many days she runs out of stock because, being a type of wild bamboo shoot, it's hard to find and depends on how much the harvesters can find."

The people of Tan Ky prepare bamboo shoots into many different specialty dishes such as boiled bamboo shoots, stewed bamboo shoots, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and spicy pickled bamboo shoots... Even more unique and delicious is bamboo shoots placed inside bamboo tubes and grilled over glowing charcoal. The aroma of the bamboo shoots blends with the sweetness of the bamboo tube, creating an irresistible and unforgettable aftertaste.

Phuong Thuy